Happy Birthday, Aimee!

October begins our run of birthdays in our family and today is my sister, Aimee's, birthday. We always tease Aimee that she was born on Halloween because she's always been a little withcy, but really we love her. Aimee has a great enthusiasm for life. She's ambitious, athletic, and she always succeeds at whatever she puts her mind to. I also appreciate the efforts she's made to keep in touch and connect better with my younger sister and I. Happy birthday, Aimee! Love you! (Sorry no picture. My computer won't upload it right now, but I'll e-mail it to you and your kids. You'll love it!)

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Just a quick entry to honor one of my heroes on his birthday. There are so many things I could say about my dad. He's got a great sense of humor and always makes everything fun. He's always been a good example of doing your duty and giving service. Even though I hated hearing the shrill sound of the wheat grinder early Saturday mornings, his example of baking bread and taking it to various neighbors every week is one of my favorite memories. He and mom always taught us to work hard and do our best. He is super, super smart. He's always encouraged and supported me and my siblings. Now, he continues that support in whatever we do. He has always let us know he loves and supports us. He's also a super fun Grandpa and I'm so glad he's in our lives. Happy birthday, Dad!

Thieves

Why do people steal? Really! Last night someone stole all of our pumpkins and gourds right off our front porch. I can't say I'm surprised as this is about the fourth time we've had things stolen off our front porch. (I kind of had to laugh when one time it was just a sack of garbage that I had sorted through that wasn't even good enough to send to D.I. Hope they enjoyed that when the opened it.) The nerve!

I also have a little thief right in my own family. We were driving to dinner to a friends house. I was to bring two batches of rolls. I turned around and what did I see. . . ?

A New Favorite Toy

Auntie Brenda sent a few clothes to us with Grandma Pickup. (Thanks, Brenda!) Grandma brought them over in a small box. For the last week and a half Zane has spendt about half of his play time just sitting in the box or pushing it around, with or without other items inside it. Who needs toys?

Owie!

As I mentioned before, Zane has a habit of climbing up on the handle of the oven drawer and then grabbing the top of the stove. I thought I had him pretty well trained, but Sunday while I was at a Pack Committe Meeting he proved me wrong. Kevin was so thoughtfully preparing dinner and he turned around and saw Zane grabbing the top of the stove. Kevin didn't know he was actually touching the burner so Zane got in big trouble. He hates it when Kevin's upset with him so he was crying and crying and then a few minutes later Kevin noticed he had burned his finger pretty badly. I feel bad for both of them. Here is what Zane's finger looked like after the blister tore off. He won't keep a bandaid on so now I have a bandaid covered with Coban and taped with adhesive tape. Yesterday a second layer of skin peeled away and it just bled forever. Poor baby. On the bright side, he points to the stove now and says "No, no, no." He has also learned the word "hot."

Happy Birthday, Tara!

Today my awesome sister, Tara, turns 28. I really admire Tara for so many reasons. She's pretty much been to Hell and back. (I don't admire her going there, but I do admire her getting back). Now she is working two jobs, going to school full time, and raising three beautiful kids; one with disabilities, one who is having some health issues, and a step-son who is not without his challenges. She manages to do all of this with a postitive attitude (most days). She works hard to keep herself in shape. She works hard to keep the sisters close. She's thoughtful and sensitive. Not to mention, I think she was alway the cutest kid my parents had. Happy, happy, happy birthday, Tara. I love you.

Autumn Days

Even though the weather has turned we still enjoy being outside. Zane enjoyed husking my Indian corn and pushing the gourds and pumpkins around in his truck. I think his taste for dirt is starting to fade as is evidenced by the "yucky" face after he puts some in his mouth. Maybe it was just that specific dirt. Enjoy his poses. I know I sure do.

Some Random Pictures

Here are just a few pictures we've taken from September (other than our trips and outings). Zane really likes to get up and play the piano. He'll turn the pages and then play some more. He's beginning to make up his own signs. When he wants music on or when he hears music he'll start waving his hand with his fingers closed like he's leading the music. He also bangs on the piano bench when he wants to get up and play.


Zane has also inherited (from the Pickups, I guess) an insane love and bravery for climbing. We have to be careful when we're in the garage because if the ladder is left out this is what we find.

Rooster Rock State Park

I forgot that a couple of weeks ago we joined some friends at Rooster Rock State Park. Zane was pretty tired but seemed to have a good time anyway. This kid loves water. Even when the Caudle kids thought it would be a good idea to have a splashing contest with Kevin, Zane seemed pretty content to be in the middle of it all. I'm not sure who won the contest. I'm afraid that was our last fling of the summer as Autumn has officially arrived and the Autumnal weather with it.